B Sai Sudharsan has been one of the most consistent batters in this IPL – 74, 63 and 49 in his three outings for Gujarat Titans so far. The left-hander spoke with Boria Majumdar about the team, dressing room culture, presence of Jos Butler and his India ambitions. Excerpts
Q: You’ve been incredibly consistent this season. What’s the secret?
A: I’m glad I’ve been able to make a difference to my team. I’d say I have understood the T20 game better in the course of the last year and know what I need to do to be consistent and not push things too much. I have worked hard and prepared very well and if I do what I know how to do, runs will surely come.
Q: How is it opening the innings with your captain Shubman Gill and how is he as a leader?
A: He’s an excellent leader of men. He gives you the freedom to say whatever you feel and batting with him is an absolute pleasure. With him at the other end, you know he will soak in the pressure and play some incredible shots. Your job becomes easier that way and you can just focus on your own thing.
Q: Did you enjoy batting with Jos Butler, one of the best white-ball batsmen?
A: Absolutely true. Jos is such a calming influence out there. You know there is someone who is in control. He will constantly encourage you and also make sure you don’t feel the pressure. He is a leader and you will know it if you bat with him. I have enjoyed every minute we have batted together and learnt a lot in the process.
Q: You’ve made remarkable strides over the past year—earning a spot in the India A squad and touring Australia. Do you think about representing India at the highest level?
A: If you are a painter, playing for India is your dream canvas to paint. There can be nothing better in the world for a cricketer. And it is the same for me. But I am not thinking too far ahead. You just have to put in the hard yards. At the moment, it is about the Gujarat Titans and helping my team make the playoffs. Having said that, playing for India is the ultimate dream and I will do anything to make sure I achieve it one day.
Q: In three years, Gujarat Titans have established themselves as a brand in the IPL. What is it that GT is doing right?
A: You will hear the word family much too often in the IPL. We hear people saying teams are like families. In the case of Gujarat Titans, it is actually the truth. The team culture is such that each one of us has a say and has the freedom to express ourselves. We play as a collective and there is no “I” in this team. The management, coach Ashu bhai ( Ashish Nehra), skipper Shubman each one is accessible and I have loved my team here.
Q: Ashish Nehra has played a big role in making this team what it is. What makes him such a good coach?
A: Energy and passion — that’s what Ashu bhai brings to the table and it is infectious. It is just special how he has been able to bind us all together and the energy he has. Having played for India at the highest level he knows it all and his experience helps a great deal. The other thing about him is his positivity. He is always looking at the bigger picture and how we can get better. We are fortunate to have him as our coach in GT.
Q: How are you dealing with money and fame?
A: It has added more responsibility. I know people are watching me and they want to see me do well and be successful. I know I have certain duties towards my team, my family and my fans. If anything it has added more hours to my training. It has given me the added incentive to work that extra percent harder and make a mark. I want to do well at every level. For my club team, state, IPL franchise and for India. My dream is to win World Cups for India and that’s the ultimate ambition. I will work hard to fulfil it.
Q: You’ve been incredibly consistent this season. What’s the secret?
A: I’m glad I’ve been able to make a difference to my team. I’d say I have understood the T20 game better in the course of the last year and know what I need to do to be consistent and not push things too much. I have worked hard and prepared very well and if I do what I know how to do, runs will surely come.
Q: How is it opening the innings with your captain Shubman Gill and how is he as a leader?
A: He’s an excellent leader of men. He gives you the freedom to say whatever you feel and batting with him is an absolute pleasure. With him at the other end, you know he will soak in the pressure and play some incredible shots. Your job becomes easier that way and you can just focus on your own thing.
Q: Did you enjoy batting with Jos Butler, one of the best white-ball batsmen?
A: Absolutely true. Jos is such a calming influence out there. You know there is someone who is in control. He will constantly encourage you and also make sure you don’t feel the pressure. He is a leader and you will know it if you bat with him. I have enjoyed every minute we have batted together and learnt a lot in the process.
Q: You’ve made remarkable strides over the past year—earning a spot in the India A squad and touring Australia. Do you think about representing India at the highest level?
A: If you are a painter, playing for India is your dream canvas to paint. There can be nothing better in the world for a cricketer. And it is the same for me. But I am not thinking too far ahead. You just have to put in the hard yards. At the moment, it is about the Gujarat Titans and helping my team make the playoffs. Having said that, playing for India is the ultimate dream and I will do anything to make sure I achieve it one day.
Q: In three years, Gujarat Titans have established themselves as a brand in the IPL. What is it that GT is doing right?
A: You will hear the word family much too often in the IPL. We hear people saying teams are like families. In the case of Gujarat Titans, it is actually the truth. The team culture is such that each one of us has a say and has the freedom to express ourselves. We play as a collective and there is no “I” in this team. The management, coach Ashu bhai ( Ashish Nehra), skipper Shubman each one is accessible and I have loved my team here.
Q: Ashish Nehra has played a big role in making this team what it is. What makes him such a good coach?
A: Energy and passion — that’s what Ashu bhai brings to the table and it is infectious. It is just special how he has been able to bind us all together and the energy he has. Having played for India at the highest level he knows it all and his experience helps a great deal. The other thing about him is his positivity. He is always looking at the bigger picture and how we can get better. We are fortunate to have him as our coach in GT.
Q: How are you dealing with money and fame?
A: It has added more responsibility. I know people are watching me and they want to see me do well and be successful. I know I have certain duties towards my team, my family and my fans. If anything it has added more hours to my training. It has given me the added incentive to work that extra percent harder and make a mark. I want to do well at every level. For my club team, state, IPL franchise and for India. My dream is to win World Cups for India and that’s the ultimate ambition. I will work hard to fulfil it.
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